Hockey Hall of Famer Bill Hay has passed away.

The hockey community has lost a beloved figure, one that played an integral role in our sport for many, many years.

On Saturday, the Hockey Hall of Fame confirmed that former Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup champion and Hockey Hall of Famer Bill Hay had passed away. Hay was 88 years old.

Hay had a decorated career that included a Calder Memorial Trophy in his rookie season (1960), a rookie season that also saw him earn an appearance on the National Hockey League's All-Star roster. Hay would also capture a Stanley Cup championship the following year during the 1961 Stanley Cup playoffs as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hay would go on to serve as an executive for Hockey Canada, the Calgary Flames and the Hockey Hall of Fame before being elected to that very same Hall of Fame as a builder in 2015.

NHL commissioner Gary bettman has released the following statement:

"Bill Hay was born into a hockey family, won the Stanley Cup as a Player and then devoted his post-playing career to growing the game at all levels and honoring its brightest stars.

"A native of Saskatchewan, his impact transcended borders. He led Colorado College to the 1957 NCAA title as a First Team All-America forward. He became a trailblazer for U.S. collegians playing in the NHL when he joined the Chicago Blackhawks, with whom he played eight seasons, won the Calder Trophy in 1960 and centered a line with Bobby Hull on the Cup-winning
1960-61 team. Upon retirement, he served as President and CEO of the Calgary Flames, COO of Hockey Canada and, for 15 years, as Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

"Inducted into the Hall as a Builder in 2015 - joining his father, Charles Hay, who had been enshrined as a Builder in 1974 - Bill Hay lived a remarkable hockey life that reflected the very best of our sport. The National Hockey League family mourns his passing and sends our deepest condolences to his family and many friends throughout the hockey world."

My condolences go out to the Hay family and the entire hockey community.